Vegan Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This recipe takes crispy, golden-brown hash browns to the next level by combining them with a creamy, savory sauce and your favorite plant-based ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan hash brown casserole is:
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with potatoes, plant-based protein, and flavor, it’s a meal in itself.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies, plant-based meats, or spices to create your own signature dish.
- Perfect for meal prep: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Crowd-pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with vegans and non-vegans alike!
Vegan Hash Brown Casserole Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this incredible vegan hash brown casserole:
- Hash browns: Use frozen or freshly grated potatoes.
- Onion: Adds a savory base flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
- Plant-based milk: Creates a creamy consistency for the sauce.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder elevate the taste.
- Vegan cheese shreds: Optional, but adds a delicious cheesy topping.
Cooking Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
How to Make Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
Follow these simple steps to make the best vegan hash brown casserole:
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add the hash browns, sautéed vegetables, and sauce to the baking dish. Stir well to combine.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle with vegan cheese shreds (if using), and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
Tips for the Best Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
- Thaw frozen hash browns: This will prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Press out excess liquid: Squeeze out any excess water from the hash browns after thawing for extra crispy results.
- Don’t overbake: The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Get creative with toppings: Add chopped green onions, vegan bacon bits, or a dollop of vegan sour cream before serving.
“For a richer flavor, try using a combination of plant-based milks, such as almond milk and coconut milk,” suggests Chef Anya Green. “The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savory notes.”
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
- Mediterranean: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Southwestern: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a dash of cumin and chili powder.
“Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to your casserole,” advises Chef Green. “Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the mix.”
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready.
What can I serve with vegan hash brown casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of vegan sausage patties.
Can I freeze leftover casserole?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use a different type of vegan cheese?
Feel free to use your favorite type of vegan cheese! Shredded, crumbled, or even sliced vegan cheese will work well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just be sure to use gluten-free hash browns and check that your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
This vegan hash brown casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and utterly delicious. Enjoy!
